HAMPTON, Ga. – September 21, 2009 – The 16th-ranked Clayton State Laker men’s golf team opened its 2009 fall season battling both the elements and some of the top-rated teams in Division II on Monday in its State Farm-Laker Invitational at Crystal Lake Golf and Country Club.

With eight nationally-ranked teams in the 16-team field, Clayton State is currently tied for 10th overall with seventh-ranked Florida Southern and Coker with a 4-over par 292. The first day was originally slated for two rounds (36 holes), but the second round was halted due to heavy rains. The tournament will be shortened to 36 holes, and the second round is for Tuesday at Crystal Lake.

The Lakers are one stroke off the pace of Carson-Newman, Queens and UNC Pembroke, and three strokes behind fourth-ranked Lynn. Top-ranked Georgia College and second-ranked Barry share the first-round lead with a 7-under 281, followed closely by 24th-ranked Newberry at 4-under 284. Third-ranked Columbus State and 17th-ranked Lander are tied for fourth at even-par 288.

Individually for Clayton State, freshman Michael Lee had an impressive debut. Playing as an individual and his score not counting in team stats, Lee shot a 1-under 71, putting him tied for 18th overall and five strokes off the pace of leader Daniel Stanley from Newberry.

In addition, senior Wade Binfield and sophomore Andy Bate are both tied for 24th at even-par 72, while senior Neil Thomas and junior Adam Novakowski are tied for 39th at 2-over 74. Rounding out the Laker scoring is sophomore Clark Nelson tied for 82nd with an 82, and freshman Joshua Ransby is tied for 84th with an 89.